NOT surprising to see the mainly unionist media here asking the SDLP why they didn’t support the DUP’s inpertinent adjournment motion. Strangely they’re not asking the UUP.
What would the public think of an open-ended paid holiday for the assembly members? The SDLP’s decision to oppose the DUP’s adjournment motion at the business committee yesterday was the correct and only decision for the party.
The party was under enormous pressure from the Irish government but for the first time in its existence publicly rejected a request from the Taoiseach. It was essential for its own electoral survival that the SDLP did so because what the party was being asked to do was act as a mudguard for the DUP with no prospect of reward for its actions.
The party might be criticised for rowing in behind Sinn Féin in an exercise of sectarian solidarity and within the SDLP some were concerned at that interpretation, but the bottom line is this: what has an Irish government ever done for them in the last 15 years? Why should they give the impression that the Irish government makes the SDLP’s decisions for them?
Adjournment of the assembly as the DUP demanded in its undemocratic ultimatum would be no solution for the endemic problems at Stormont. Who could predict weeks of talks following an adjournment would resolve the ding-dong between the DUP and UUP?
Don’t forget the DUP ultimatum was undemocratic. They were defeated at the same committee on the same motion last week and when they didn’t get their way they threatened to pull down the whole edifice.
If they had managed to get the Irish government to cajole or bully the SDLP into supporting them who’s to say they wouldn’t try the same stunt this time next year over an entirely different issue?
Stormont in crisis: the full background
[ Why Robinson has walked out and what happens nextOpens in new window ]
[ John Manley: Robinson's resigned to let Stormont limp onOpens in new window ]
[ Senior republicans released in McGuigan murder probeOpens in new window ]
[ No suspensions means MLA salaries unaffectedOpens in new window ]
[ Failure to provide stable government 'not an option' - BellOpens in new window ]
[ Brian Feeney: British government prepared to play hardball with DUPOpens in new window ]
[ Alex Kane: People deserve better than the current political farceOpens in new window ]
[ Focus remains on talks despite DUP walk-outOpens in new window ]
[ Stormont crisis latest: MLAs vote for free tea and coffeeOpens in new window ]
[ Newton Emerson: Villiers comes up with escape route for Sinn FeinOpens in new window ]
[ Senior republicans arrested in Kevin McGuigan murder probeOpens in new window ]
[ Police chief may be asked to attend political talksOpens in new window ]
[ 'Don't jeopardise our industry' MLAs urgedOpens in new window ]
[ John Manley: Here we go again... bluster, threat then fudgeOpens in new window ]
[ DUP says 'no further' executive meetings at StormontOpens in new window ]
[ Police back monitoring of paramilitariesOpens in new window ]
[ Brian Feeney: Watch as Peter Robinson produces a survival planOpens in new window ]
[ Kenny and Adams clash over IRA criminality claimsOpens in new window ]
[ Tom Kelly: The DUP needs the cover of the UUP more than it realisedOpens in new window ]
[ Patrick Murphy: We're sure to strike gold at political gymnasticsOpens in new window ]
[ UUP votes to withdraw from executiveOpens in new window ]
The democratic defeat of the adjournment motion allowed the British government to face down the DUP’s next arrogant demand, undemocratic suspension of the institutions. That was a major blow for Robinson who seemed confident right up to our proconsul’s announcement that he would get his way.
Robinson’s upping the ante against his unionist rivals, his failure to abide by what David Cameron called ‘the noble principles’ enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and the consequent refusal of the British government to play along with him has fatally weakened his position in the DUP.
The British government acting in concert with the Irish government has put it up to Robinson: turn up for talks on Monday or face the consequences which surely have to be an election in six weeks time. He didn’t persuade the British to accept any of the tactics he proposed to avoid talking to Sinn Féin. They have given him no alternative. Running to Westminster didn’t work.
The last week raises fundamental questions about Robinson’s future. Does he not want an election because he didn’t expect to have to stand again? Have the British government decided it’s not worth investing serious political capital in appeasing him if his career is ending?
As often is the case it turns out that it’s a Conservative government that is prepared to play hard ball with unionists. In short, sit down and talk to the people you have to live with and share the north with. It would be a good idea.
